Investing in early child development: an imperative for sustainable development.

Abstract

Good physical and mental health achievements in school and work and the ability to empathize with and help other people have their roots in early childhood. Experiences in the first years of life shape what we become -- physically emotionally and socially. Evidence-based strategies to promote children’s development are available and can be feasibly integrated into health nutrition education social and child protection programs. Three areas are critical foundations for healthy child development: stable responsive and nurturing caregiving with opportunities to learn; safe supportive physical environments; and appropriate nutrition.Evidence suggests that close to a third of all children under five or 200 million children do not attain their full development capacity. The health sector has a unique responsibility because it has the greatest reach to children and their families during critical time periods that affect child development. WHO is committed to early child development through an approach that binds together many areas of the organization: reproductive maternal newborn child and adolescent health; nutrition; mental health and substance abuse management; violence and injury prevention; environmental health; and social determinants of health. The intervention that weaves as a red thread through all these initiatives is Care for Development. Care for Development strengthens caregiver–child interactions and helps families be sensitive to children’s needs and respond appropriately. While we have the means to make a difference this volume of Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences clearly illustrates that much more has to be learned about effective implementation models their cost and impact. The multisectoral factors that influence child development need to be better addressed and documented through synergy of programs and policies. The time is right for action. Global leaders are committing to the goals of A Promise Renewed with the aim to end preventable neonatal and child deaths by 2035. Global action plans have been developed for reaching every mother every newborn and every child with essential interventions and quality health care. These provide a revitalized and strong programmatic foundation for integrated health nutrition and development interventions. As WHO we intend to fully capitalize on these opportunities and work with member states and partners to ensure that every child has the best possible opportunity to realize its full development potential. (Excerpts)